Anandabazar report 'misleading and baseless'

The Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) has expressed its protest of a news report published by Indian publication Anandabazar, reports bdnews24.com.

In a press release on Saturday, ISPR said that an article published on Friday that alleged the Pakistan military would be returning to Bangladesh was misleading and baseless.

Stating that the Bangladesh Army is steadfast in its principles of professionalism, impartiality and international cooperation, the protest letter said: "As part of its regular activities, the Bangladesh Army maintains friendly relations with the armed forces of different countries and conducts various cooperative programmes including student exchange and training to enhance mutual understanding and efficiency."

Stating that there is no plan for any training team or delegation of the Pakistan Army to come to any cantonment in Bangladesh for training, it said that the claim was false.

"The Bangladesh Army procures the required ammunition from various countries based on its requirements. Ignorant opinions on sensitive defence issues are unwelcome, uncalled for and offensive," the ISPR said.

Contrary to proper journalistic practice, Anandabazar did not seek any comment or explanation from the Bangladeshi ISPR before publishing its report and this negligence raises serious questions about the impartiality and credibility of the report, the statement said.

The ISPR requested the media to verify information from reliable sources before publishing any report.